Lost Flowers True Stories of the Moonshine King, Percy Flowers

by Perry D. Sullivan

Lost Flowers: True Stories of the Moonshine King, Percy Flowers is the never-before-told account of the notorious North Carolina bootlegger, as recalled by his son, Perry Sullivan. In the backwoods of Clayton, North Carolina, in the first half of the twentieth century, life may have been harsh, but whiskey could be found that was smooth, clear, and potent. Especially if it was the product of moonshine kingpin Joshua Percy Flowers, the legendary bootlegger who amassed a small fortune from the making of white lightning. Flowers’ son, Perry Sullivan, breaks decades of silence to share his firsthand account of the whiskey making, cockfighting, and foxhound-racing ways of this rough-hewn but surprisingly wise wheeler and dealer. Lost Flowers: True Stories of the Moonshine King, Percy Flowers offers a poignant glimpse into a world that time has all but forgotten, recounting both the painful experiences and abiding lessons learned from a hard-bitten man who boasted 200-proof authenticity. Reflective, gentle, and peppered with folksy humor, this colorful story set in the Deep South lays bare the author’s own secret as the unacknowledged son of the famous bootlegger. Told through the eyes of Perry Sullivan, the memoir is addressed to his own two sons, with the intention of passing on the wisdom he gleaned from his early years. The author ultimately managed to escape the shackles of the poverty stricken and racist ways of the era, and now shares his singular tale from a mature and educated viewpoint. Appealing to history buffs, lovers of Southern culture, and any parent who wants to impart sound wisdom to their children. Author Perry Sullivan’s account sheds light and gives credit to men who overcame hardships that would cripple most people. He ultimately seeks to bring closure and healing to those who have hidden in the shadows of societal secrets, and he offers inspiration and sage advice, Southern style.

315 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2013

Reviews

[Max Daves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a true slice of americana. Being that I was born in the south, I found Lost Flowers of a special interest. No doubt the bible belt southern culture is no stranger to secrets which caused many people to live under painful clouds. Considering the popularity of vintage americana these days, this book cracks open the life of one of the most notorious moonshiners in american history. It is a great read. I love stories like this.

[Frances Schmitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not to be missed. One persons life unfolds with such amazing stories that will captivate you and place you into the very heart of the story. Perry Sullivan has opened up and shared his life in such a way that makes you hungry to know more. More about him, more about the people he grew up with and more on how this has made him the man he is now. Reading where he was and seeing who he is now shows how life takes it's own turns with fate.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. I grew up in Smithfield so this holds a special read for me!

[Bonnie Vause · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written from the author's viewpoints. I was am glad to see more authors like Perry Sullivan publishing. It has been said many time that many say they want to write, will write, but only a few carry through with their pen/paper skills.
Perry displays this life as an open book. He is upfront about his childhood, his bare existence into this world. It makes one think "how could he expose the truth" yet also..."why not?"...he was the product of a situation he had no vote in. He is the son of Percy Flowers who is a well known man in Johnston County. I admire how this man was so gracious to speak kindly of his siblings without every lashing out to negativity. That speaks merits of his true self, his existence to make this world a kinder place to live.
The book is well thought out, planned, organized and the plot, story line, flows well. In the end...you see who the "winner" really is in this situation. No one, some would say.
However, reading between the line...the reader can feel the warmth and love shared between father and son. Percy Flower, The King in Perry's Heart, is truly loved by many and will never be forgotten by the community. This book is a great adventure ~ taking the read back in time, down a dirt path of history and into the present time where the author still remains positive about his heritage. I'm sure it was hard for everyone when this book was released. However, I don't feel...since reading the book it was written in ill spirit. Perry Sullivan seems to be a man that wanted to write about his life. He did. It is out there and only the reader can determine how much they feel is worth telling. However, history determines many things in our lives. It is an awesome experience to write ~ words measure a person's depth...how they see the world. Perry Sullivan has a clear view of his past and also his present, future. Excellent book and very positive when speaking of his family members. I could see where words could have been lashed out. However, he didn't. He just told his story. Revealed the hidden secrets. He was brave enough to open his life up for others to review. Brave man, like his father.
Dr. Bonnie Vause, Ed.D.
Author Of "Fast Escape" Release Date: April 2,2014
http://vimeo.com/88158755
www.bonnievause.com

[Jaeme · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be fair, I'm not a fan of memoirs. I enjoy biographies, but they are constructed differently. That being said, the last third of Lost Flowers makes it worth the scramble through the anecdotal storytelling style of Perry Sullivan. And as an amateur genealogist, I can empathize with Sullivan's bittersweet reflections on love, truth and family ties. The beginning is simple enough and the ending is empowering. It's in the passage of years where I floundered, trying to grasp the significance of events retold of both Perry's mysterious childhood and Percy's misspent youth. The things he relates are real and often painful or awkward. There is little triviality. It is presented with a strange detachment though. Perhaps the author inadvertently strayed on the side of objectivity too much in his struggle to reveal the profane and profound in his life and in the man who meant so much to him. It is in the end, an extraordinary sourcebook for local history and maybe something of a cautionary tale.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lost Flowers” was a good read! I will have to say that I know the author. I found the story very intriguing knowing that it was a true story and that the author had a very challenging upbringing. As someone who enjoys family research, it is interesting to come across a non-traditional family story line. What is even more interesting is that this complicated story began in the 1960s; it was not one from 100 years ago. You never know someone’s story. I think that’s what makes “Lost Flowers” such an interesting read.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. I think the writing style seems to ramble back and forth at times, maybe due to a lack of early education, but the writer redeemed himself later in life; college degree, military career, airline pilot. I admire him for climbing out of poverty after Percy’s death. There is no mention in the book of Percy’s time behind bars for illegal moonshining and tax evasion.

[A Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work was an interesting glimpse into the life of a Moonshine King in rural North Carolina. Since it was told from the POV of one of Percy Flowers' sons, it was focused on more than his tangles with the law and illicit activities and served to humanize him. It also allowed the reader to see what living in rural NC in the twentieth century was like for people around Johnston County.

[Becky O'neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I liked it so much I read it again a few months later. A good story of how things used to be

[Stephanie Tyson]

I don't know how I feel about this book or the Flowers family now. I have heard for many years about Percy Flowers, the Moonshine King, but didn't know about any other children other than Becky. To know now that he had 3 other children and grandchildren who are never mentioned is heartbreaking. Even his own son's children, Percy Jr that died in a plane crash, his children are not recognized as being Percy Sr's grandchildren. This book just seems wrong on some many levels.

[Travis Washburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am giving 5 stars based on personal bias although it really is a fantastic read whether you lived in Eastern NC or not. So interesting to read a story occurring just down the road from where I grew up and concurrent with the years I lived there.

I will never drive the road to Smithfield again without thinking about this story.

[Ashley Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by the writing in this book. My expectations were low on a book about a legendary moonshiner from Johnston County. I related because of my own family ties to the area and to all the legendary stories I'd always heard about Percy Flowers over the years. However, upon learning the book was written and published by an allegedly illegitmate son of the man, I thought I wouldn't be getting a lot from it. The writing was very vivid in the author's descriptions of childhood in the farms of Johnston County and really brought to life the grit of living and working in that time entailed. The story that this author is leaving to his sons was touching as family stories inevitably get lost over time and he attempts to not lose his own by his writing. However, I'm left at the end still not being totally convinced in the truth that lies somewhere behind the book. Without hard evidence to support it, I'm wondering if this is still more fiction that non. Overall, I very much enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to anyone with a familiarity to this area or even just an interest in North Carolina history. It is an enjoyable read and you can decide for yourself what you take away at the end.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m local so I wanted to read this. Though the subject matter was super interesting to me, the writing style and self-published manner made this a struggle to get through. I did like the information, just not a fan of how it was written. For sure not a professional writer.

[Teresa Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the powerful, true story of Perry Sullivan growing up the illegitimate offspring of the moonshine legend, Percy Flowers. Written from the perspective of an innocent child, it teaches many life lessons that apply just as much today. Perry is a stand up guy, a real treasure. As the old saying goes, the truth shall set you free. The beginning of freedom in the truth is acknowledgement. Praying that the weights of imprisonment are over for Perry and he is truly free to be the man God created him to be. His story will touch your heart.

[Teresa Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read lately. Growing up in the area the book is written about, each page brought back a flood of memories. This book needed to be written. So glad Perry was courageous enough to relive the stories and share them with us.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book because it reminded me of home when I was growing up. I had heard of Percy Flower's store but I did not know the back story. Interesting read especially for a Southerner or those interested in regional non-fiction.

[Joanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, inspirational, takes you back to a time but all forgotten. Great life lessons!
Anyone who wants to read about life in old south as seen through the eyes of a child and an adult.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh - it was OK for a free Amazon book. Nothing special.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Personal memories.